Top 5 Dental Procedures For a Beautiful Smile

By Dr. Jay McCarl, Dr. Clayton McCarl, and Dr. David McCarl

McCarl Dental Group

More Dental Health Articles

Top 5 Dental Procedures For a Beautiful Smile

Are you self-conscious about your smile? A healthy smile contributes more than just beauty; it is a vital component of good overall health. Every day dental patients ask about options for improving the health and appearance of their smile. The great news is that dental procedures and especially cosmetic dental procedures have improved dramatically over the last 10 to 15 years. As a result, there's an array of affordable options that are no longer a luxury limited to Hollywood celebrities. There are a wide range of choices available for improving the health and appearance of your smile. Speak to a dental professional who can help you determine which dental procedures are best for your needs.

If you've thought about improving your smile, this guide can help you learn about the latest techniques in dentistry and cosmetic dental procedures.

Invisalign Orthodontics is a simple and convenient way to straighten your teeth. Clear, thin Invisalign trays straighten teeth and correct your bite. Unlike metal braces, almost no one else can tell you are wearing Invisalign. Straightening crooked teeth with Invisalign orthodontics is more comfortable, more convenient, less expensive and usually faster than metal braces. For most adults, treatment time is just under one year. Overall gum and bone health are improved when teeth are properly aligned and fit together with an ideal bite. Straight teeth are not only important for a beautiful smile – they contribute to a healthy smile!

Dental Implants are an excellent example of the benefits of new dental technology and are often an ideal solution for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant serves as a tooth root and anchors a replacement tooth, bridge or denture to your jaw. When dental implants are restored with porcelain crowns, they look, feel and function like natural teeth. One of the most common uses of mini dental implants is stabilization of dentures. Anchoring a denture with one or more dental implants solves problems commonly associated with dentures, including concern and discomfort from loose and poorly fitting dentures.

Teeth Whitening or Bleaching with professional whitening gel often reduces or eliminates tooth stains and discoloration that occurs over time. Patients have great success with the Zoom and DayWhite custom take home whitening tray systems. The results can be achieved quickly and you can enjoy whiter teeth for a long time.

Porcelain Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain applied to the front of teeth. Veneers allow dentists to change the color, size and shape of teeth for a more aesthetic smile. Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for people with tooth discoloration or heavy stains that do not lighten with professional tooth whitening. Dental veneers are custom made. The thickness of the veneer and the amount of tooth reduction necessary varies with each patient's specific needs.

Crowns are used to cover or “cap” damaged teeth starting at the gum line. In addition to strengthening the damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve the tooth's appearance, shape or alignment. In the past, porcelain crowns were fused to metal and were less natural looking. Today, all-porcelain crowns are more durable, comfortable and much more attractive.